The First Two Pages: “Make New Friends, But Keep The Old” by Jane Limprecht

In April 2015, B.K. Stevens debuted the blog series “The First Two Pages,” hosting craft essays by short story writers and novelists analyzing the openings of their own work. The series continued until just after her death in August 2017, and the full archive of those essays can be found at Bonnie’s website. In November 2017, the blog series relocated to my website, and the archive of this second stage of the series can be found here.

Today’s author—Jane Limprecht—is someone I’ve gotten to know in various different ways in recent years. We live close to one another, and we’ve often crossed paths on Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market, where Jane has tirelessly manned Democratic Party booths and passed out pamphlets during election season—and she and I were exchanging emails over the past week about the news and where it was going and at what pace. During one of our chats at the market, I encouraged Jane to try some writing workshops and other classes at George Mason University, which she’s been enjoying lately—I hope, at least, since two of the ones she’s audited recently have been with me! And I’ve enjoyed having her in class—a star student in so many ways. Finally, I’ve known Jane as a fellow mystery writer and member of our local Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime—and with the chapter’s new anthology, Chesapeake Crimes: Invitation to Murder, Jane and I are now also fellow contributors to the same book.

As you’ll see in the essay below, Jane’s story, “Make New Friends, But Keep The Old,” builds on some of her own memories and experiences—though with an imaginative turn, of course! I’m still reading through the book myself, but I loved Jane’s story, a whodunit which kept me guessing in several directions before a satisfying finale. And I’m glad to host her here today to introduce others to the story and to the collection.

And stay tuned over the next two weeks for essays by other contributors, Sarah Cotter and Britt Alan!

Please use the arrows and controls at the bottom of the embedded PDF to navigate through the essay. You can also download the essay to read off-line.